DeMarcus Cousins Now Officially Part Of The Pelicans, Expressed Love To Sacramento Through Social Media

By Kara Thomas

Feb 22, 2017 07:09 PM EST

The controversial DeMarcus Cousins trade took place last Sunday night. The Sacramento Kings changed course and agreed to trade Cousins to the New Orlean Pelicans. Boogie is now officially part of the Pelicans and he expressed his love to Sacramento through social media.

According to ESPN, it was on Monday afternoon that the announcement was made that the Pelicans already acquired Cousins and Omri Casspi. New Orleans will send Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, 2017 first-round and second-rounder picks to the Sacramento Kings. There have been talks that Sacramento Kings’ owner, Vivek Ranadive's admiration for Hield was one of the major reasons for such big trade.

Kings’ general manager Vlade Divac said in a statement that he believes that it is already time for a change and that this was indeed the best direction for the team. "Winning begins with culture and character matters. With the upcoming draft class set to be one of the strongest in a decade, this trade will allow us to build the depth needed for a talented and developing roster moving forward,” said Vlade. He then thanked and wished Cousins all the best in New Orleans.

The trade came as a shock for Boogie. It is on his official Instagram account that he expressed his feeling regarding the big trade and how grateful he is for Sacramento after spending his first seven seasons with the team. In his post, Cousins shared how hard it is for him to move and at the same his love for the city and the fans.

Words can't even express how hard it is for me to have to leave the city of Sacramento and all of the amazing people that I have met while out here. I gave it my all for you and you gave it right back. The most amazing fans on the planet and I just want you to know that your support has meant everything to me. It's hard to believe that it was seven years ago that this young kid from Alabama showed up in Sacramento scared and not knowing a soul. As I look back upon my time here, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I have met so many amazing people, many of whom went out of their way to make me feel right at home from day one. Each and every one of you have played such an important part in my life and helping me become the person I am today. I don't just consider you all as fans, you all are my family...and a couple thousand miles aren't going to change a thing. Thank you Sacramento. #LoyaltyisLove

A post shared by DeMarcus Cousins (@boogiecousins) on Feb 21, 2017 at 2:32pm PST

According to Yahoo Sports, Cousins and his agents were blindsided by the trade that happened. They have been told several times that Cousins would not be moved. Reportedly, the decision came after Kings’ front office began to lose interest with the extension because of Cousins’ behavior. Most likely, the Kings’ had enough it. Cousins would have been eligible for a five-year, $209 million contract extension.

Earlier this month, Job & Hire reported about the disciplinary actions imposed by NBA to Cousins for two separate incidents. He was fined with $25,000 and even got suspended to play one game without pay.

Meanwhile, Pelicans general manager Dell Demps said that they are thrilled to welcome Cousins and Casspi to the New Orleans Pelicans family. "This is an exciting time for Pelicans fans as we continue our quest for long-term success. I know our fans are equally excited to welcome DeMarcus and Omri to our great city,” said Demps.

NBA reported that Cousins already arrived at New Orleans on Tuesday. In an interview, Cousins shared that what they are forming now is a special thing and that he is excited about the opportunity given to him. Cousins will wear jersey number #0.

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